Choosing the right games to play with a controller on PC can be a game-changer for your overall experience. Many gamers prefer the comfort and familiarity of a controller over a mouse and keyboard, and thankfully, the PC gaming landscape offers a plethora of options that are perfectly suited for gamepad play. On supremeduelist.blog, we dive into which games shine brightest when using a controller, ensuring you get the most immersive and enjoyable gaming sessions.
This article explores the Best Pc Games For Controller users across various genres. We’ll break down why these titles stand out, offering insights into their gameplay mechanics and design choices. We also address common questions and concerns, making sure you know why a controller may be a better choice than using a keyboard and mouse. Whether you’re a veteran or new to PC gaming with a gamepad, this guide will help you find your next gaming obsession.
Why Choose a Controller for PC Gaming?
The debate between keyboard/mouse and controller continues to rage, but for many, a controller offers a unique and often superior gaming experience. A controller provides a more tactile feel, allowing for analog input which is crucial for games requiring precision movement or nuanced control such as racing games. Comfort is also a huge factor, letting you recline and relax whilst still being immersed in the game. Many games are also specifically designed with controllers in mind, leading to a more natural and intuitive experience.
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Benefits of Using a Controller
- Comfort and Ergonomics: Controllers are designed to fit comfortably in your hands, reducing strain during long gaming sessions.
- Analog Control: The analog sticks provide smooth and precise movement, ideal for games that require subtle adjustments.
- Immersive Experience: Many find that a controller allows for a more immersive and engaging gaming experience, especially in genres like racing, action-adventure, and platformers.
- Console-Like Feel: If you’re used to console gaming, a controller provides a familiar and natural control scheme on PC.
- Wider Support: More and more PC games are designed with controller support in mind, making it easier than ever to pick up and play.
Top Genres Optimized for Controller
Certain genres naturally lend themselves well to controller use. We will dive into some of these genres to highlight which games work best with a controller. It is also worth noting that not all games are best played with a controller, but these following genres really do benefit greatly when using one.
Action-Adventure Games
Action-adventure games are often best played with a controller due to their focus on movement, combat, and exploration. Games like “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” and “Elden Ring” utilize a controller for nuanced movements in combat and exploration. For example, the analog stick allows for precise movement during combat in Elden Ring, which allows the gamer to circle enemies, and move into good attacking positions.
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Racing Games
Racing games are virtually synonymous with controllers, providing analog trigger input and fine-tuned steering. The analog sticks and triggers allow for precise acceleration and turning. It gives more control than a keyboard. For more immersive racing games, take a look at titles such as “Forza Horizon 5” and “Assetto Corsa Competizione,” which are designed to have the most natural feel on controllers. Similar to some other action genres, the analog input with a controller is perfect for getting into tight corners without over-steering.
To improve your racing gaming setup, you might also want to consider the benefits of using a dedicated best bluetooth game controller which can provide added functionality and comfort.
Platformers
Platformers are another genre that often shines with a controller. Precise analog movement and button inputs are crucial for making the platforming experience as smooth as possible. Games like “Hollow Knight” and “Ori and the Blind Forest” feel fantastic on a controller, making them a great option for those who prefer using a gamepad. These games require a great deal of precision when jumping between platforms and using other movement abilities.
Fighting Games
Fighting games are also largely played with gamepads. These games require quick reactions and complex button inputs to execute combos. Fighting games like “Street Fighter 6” and “Tekken 8” are often designed around gamepad input, meaning that it feels far more intuitive to use a gamepad. While keyboards can be used for fighting games, it is far less common as the tactile feel of a gamepad helps the gamer better understand the inputs they are making.
Sports Games
Sports games are another genre that is often enhanced by using a controller. The analog sticks provide control over player movement in games like “FIFA 23” and “NBA 2K23” , as well as more precise and nuanced control over actions such as passing the ball and shooting. The overall feel of most sports titles is far more intuitive when using a gamepad. If you are looking for fun sport games to play on the nintendo switch, take a look at our guide to the best nintendo switch sports games.
Controller-Friendly Games Beyond the Usual Suspects
While the genres above are known for controller support, many other types of games work exceptionally well with a controller. Here are a few titles that often get overlooked.
Action RPGs
Many Action RPGs have a focus on melee combat, camera control, and character movements. Games such as “Dark Souls 3” are almost universally played with controllers due to their reliance on a comfortable layout, as well as precision movements with analog sticks.
Indie Games
Many indie games are designed for controller play, often as a way to reduce costs when developing for multiple platforms. Many developers for smaller studios see gamepads as a core input method and therefore often optimise for it over keyboard and mouse controls. This means that the feel of gameplay is better with a controller for many independent games.
Adventure Games
Adventure games, similar to Action-adventure games, often benefit from gamepad usage. Titles such as “Life is Strange” and “Telltale’s The Walking Dead” provide more immersive gameplay due to the layout of gamepads and intuitive controls. While many of the decisions in these titles are chosen via a menu, it still benefits the overall feel of the game to have analog stick support for character movement and other control options.
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Strategy Games with Controller Support
While strategy games are often considered best played with a mouse and keyboard, there are a growing number of strategy titles that work well with a gamepad. Games like “Civilization VI” and “XCOM 2” offer full controller support, giving players the option to use controllers instead of standard PC gaming inputs. If you prefer to play your strategy games on Playstation, why not take a look at our guide to the best strategy games ps5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any controller on PC?
A: Most modern controllers, like Xbox or PlayStation controllers, are compatible with PC. You may need to install drivers or use software like Steam Input to map buttons, but most games natively support common controllers.
Q: Is a controller better than a keyboard and mouse for all games?
A: No, it depends on the game. For first-person shooters or real-time strategy games, a mouse and keyboard often offer more precision. However, for many games, like third-person adventure, racing, and fighting games, controllers are usually the better option.
Q: What is the best controller for PC gaming?
A: The “best” controller is subjective. The Xbox Wireless Controller and PlayStation DualSense are both excellent options, offering ergonomic design and solid performance. They both have native support for most PC games. However, there are numerous other controllers that can work just as well.
Q: Can I customize my controller settings on PC?
A: Yes, most PC games allow you to customize your controller settings, such as mapping buttons and adjusting sensitivity. Also, programs like Steam Input also give additional control options for further customization.
Q: Are there any game genres where a controller is not optimal?
A: Yes, most Real Time Strategy, First Person Shooter and other games which require pin point accuracy will benefit more from mouse and keyboard controls.
“The beauty of PC gaming is the freedom of choice,” says Adrian “The Controller King” Vance, a renowned gaming hardware reviewer. “While mouse and keyboard are still powerful tools, a controller can unlock a different, more visceral level of immersion in many games.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right controller-friendly game can greatly enhance your PC gaming experience. From action-packed adventures to fast-paced racers, the PC offers an incredibly diverse library that is perfect for gamepad gaming. If you are considering a new gaming setup or simply want to use the most comfortable and intuitive gaming method possible, be sure to explore the titles detailed above. Be sure to check out more content about gaming here at supremeduelist.blog where we continue to provide expert analysis and insight into the world of gaming. So grab a controller, pick a game, and start playing.
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